Nature Therapy

Let’s
Get Growinghas established a ground-breaking,
nature-based therapeutic initiative at Minsteracres to support people of all
ages with varying health needs, including those with stress-related illness,
depression, dementia, mild learning difficulties, recovering from a stroke or
surgery, or living with chronic physical illness. We also offer sessions specifically tailored to the needs of a range of other groups, including asylum seekers/refugees, homeless people, people in recovery from addictions and carers groups.

We are committed to a spontaneous, non-institutional approach, which values each individual for their unique contribution. Out of this has developed a successful ‘mixed group’ approach to our therapeutic work (as opposed to segregating people with dementia, for example). We believe that, in a mixed group, everyone has something different to give and participants do not see themselves as labelled, which can in itself be hugely therapeutic.

“The Minsteracres gardening project has been a lifeline at a time when life didn’t feel worth living. It has given frienship, kindness, support and skills.”

“I am delighted with my daughter’s progress – she
is transformed since beginning the sessions at Minsteracres”

We
aim to ensure that people relax and have fun, whilst enjoying activities in a
supportive group environment. We work all year round and offer a range of
nature-based indoor and outdoor activities designed to restore optimum health
and promote well-being, whilst providing valuable respite to carers.

Minsteracresprovides us with a stunning and tranquil location where we have a large area
dedicated to growing vegetables, a medicinal and culinary herb area, wildlife
pond and surrouding area of parkland and deciduous woodland, perfect for
sharing gentle walks. We also have a comfy indoor space for cold, wet weather
and provide a home-cooked lunch for participants.

"For me, as wife and carer of a participant, the respite is so important – without it I would find it hard to carry on.”

"I feel extraordinary happiness in this place"

We offer volunteering opportunities and some
of our participants have gone on to work as a volunteer with this project, as
well as to find volunteer posts or paid employment elsewhere, having felt a
long way from this when they first joined us.

A
minibus service for our participants collects from central pick-up points or from home if needed. Please ask for further details.